non-negotiable
/ˌnɒn nɪˈɡəʊʃiəbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌnɑːn nɪˈɡəʊʃiəbl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌnɒn.nəˈɡəʊ.ʃə.bəl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌnɑːn.nəˈɡoʊ.ʃi.ə.bəl/ (ame, ipa)
non-negotiable — adjective
1. Describes a rule, limit, or demand that other people are not free to bargain ove
Describes a rule, limit, or demand that other people are not free to bargain over or soften.
The school said daily attendance was non-negotiable for the exchange program.
pattern: be + non-negotiable
For Apinya, one night off each week was a non-negotiable boundary.
collocation: non-negotiable boundary
The coach made warm-up stretches non-negotiable before every early match.
In Zayd's contract, keeping client data private was a non-negotiable rule.
- fixed
neutral and common; often used for prices, times, or arrangements
- firm
emphasizes that no change or compromise will be allowed
- inflexible
stresses rigidity and can sound slightly critical
- mandatory
focuses on obligation rather than discussion or bargaining
- negotiable
open to discussion, change, or bargaining
- flexible
able to change to fit different needs or situations
- optional
not required; left to personal choice
文法句型
be + non-negotiable
make + something + non-negotiable
non-negotiable + noun
用法筆記
Often used for policies, values, and personal boundaries. It usually describes the condition itself, not the physical object connected to it.
常見錯誤
2. Used for a cheque that cannot be turned into cash at a counter and has to go thr
Used for a cheque that cannot be turned into cash at a counter and has to go through a bank account.
The landlord stamped the cheque non-negotiable, so Mei had to deposit it.
collocation: non-negotiable cheque
Haruto learned that the refund cheque was non-negotiable at the post office.
The cashier returned the non-negotiable cheque and pointed to the bank branch.
Romi took the non-negotiable cheque straight to her bank branch.
- account-payee
a more specific banking label showing the money must go into a named account
- deposit-only
informal explanation rather than a strict legal synonym
- cashable
able to be exchanged for cash directly
- negotiable
can be transferred or used more freely in banking
文法句型
non-negotiable + cheque
cheque/check + be + non-negotiable
用法筆記
This banking sense is narrower than sense 3. It is usually attached to 'cheque' or 'check' and focuses on not being able to receive cash immediately at the counter.
常見錯誤
3. Describes an investment item that cannot be traded from one owner to another on
Describes an investment item that cannot be traded from one owner to another on the open market.
The certificate is non-negotiable until the account reaches maturity.
pattern: be + non-negotiable until
The brochure warns investors that this note is non-negotiable and locked in.
finance: investor warning
Cole chose a lower return because the deposit was non-negotiable.
The bank explained that the certificate was non-negotiable during the first year.
- non-transferable
the closest practical synonym; emphasizes that ownership cannot be passed on
- restricted
broader term; can describe limits beyond trading
- tradable
able to be bought and sold on a market
- transferable
able to pass from one owner to another
文法句型
be + non-negotiable
non-negotiable + certificate/note/deposit
用法筆記
Unlike sense 2, this one is about whether a financial product can be bought, sold, or transferred. It often appears in investment documents rather than everyday banking talk.
常見錯誤
non-negotiable — noun
1. A condition or priority that must be accepted as fixed, with no room to argue fo
A condition or priority that must be accepted as fixed, with no room to argue for a different arrangement.
A clean safety record is a non-negotiable for every bus driver here.
pattern: a non-negotiable for + someone
For Sivan, eight hours of sleep is a daily non-negotiable.
collocation: daily non-negotiable
The hiring team treats patience with children as a non-negotiable.
On Folake's camping list, fresh water was a non-negotiable.
- must-have
close in informal use, especially for requirements or essential features
- essential
broader and more neutral; not always linked to refusal to compromise
- deal-breaker
stronger; often used for something that will stop an agreement completely
- preference
something wanted but not absolutely required
- extra
something helpful or pleasant, but not necessary
- option
a possible choice rather than a fixed requirement
文法句型
be + a non-negotiable
treat + something + as + a non-negotiable
a non-negotiable for + someone
用法筆記
Usually used in conversation or workplace talk for standards, habits, or essentials that someone refuses to give up. It most often appears in the singular with 'a'.